Maximizing ROI Using Data-Driven Middle East Market Analysis

The sector likewise dealt with more comprehensive macro headwinds, consisting of a more cautious policy background in China and international risk-off sentiment driven by geopolitical tensions and greater energy costs. Thematic ETFs also had a hard time for the many part, particularly those connected to carbon and high-growth innovation, as evaluation pressures and global rate dynamics weighed on performance.

The petrochemical ETF substantially exceeded. Flows in Q1 2026 were modest and highly focused, reflecting selective allowance instead of broad market involvement. Regardless of weak efficiency, ETFs taped $27.1 million in net inflows, with only a small number of products drawing in brand-new capital. This indicates that financiers were targeting specific exposures, while minimizing or turning out of others.

Trading activity stayed consistent, with average 30-day volumes around 33,000 shares, concentrated in a handful of larger and more liquid ETFs. The majority of activity appears to have taken place in the secondary market, making it possible for financiers to change positions without significant primary developments or redemptions.

In January, Boreas launched its S&P Global High-end UCITS ETF, adding a niche thematic exposure focused on global luxury and customer brand names. Momentum continued into April with the approval of KraneShares AGIX and KWIN ETFs by the CMA for cross-listing on ADX. These funds are anticipated to launch in April pending a final approval from ADX.

Q1 2026 revealed some development relating to ETFs in the GCC. We expect more worldwide and thematic ETFs to list in the GCC throughout 2026. While the dispute has actually impacted belief and rates during the quarter, it has driven more volume and interest in local properties.

Ways to Utilize GCC Research for 2026 Growth

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security dangers throughout the Middle East, the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have continued to demonstrate resilience, keeping favorable growth momentum recently. While conflicts in the larger region and worldwide economic unpredictability remain a structural restriction, GCC nations have actually up until now limited their influence on domestic economic efficiency through strong financial positions, policy connection, and sustained financial investment.

The World Bank, on the other hand, projects 3.2 percent development in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF similarly sees momentum improving, with GCC output growth forecasted to increase from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more favorable total conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) jobs international development relieving to 3.1 percent in 2026, with innovative economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and establishing economies simply above 4 percent. On that contrast, a 4.44.5 percent GCC growth would place the region materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, enhancing the GCC's status as a relatively high-growth pocketprovided that regional danger conditions stay consisted of and reform momentum holds.

Maximizing ROI Through Modern GCC Market Intelligence

Data from the GCC Statistical Center reveal that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of overall GDP, a share that has actually continued to rise as governments expand financial investment in services, infrastructure, and innovation. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity throughout the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and rising financial investment in technology and AI-related facilities.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain central to sustaining this trend. Policy steps aimed at bring in foreign direct investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and lower the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the growth outlook, oil incomes are anticipated to play a helpful function in 2026.

The World Bank, on the other hand, tasks 3.2 percent growth in 2025, accelerating to 4.5 percent in 2026. The IMF Sees momentum improving, with GCC output development predicted to rise from 1.7 percent in 2024 to 3.3 percent on average in 2025, showing a shift towards more positive general conditions.

The IMF's World Economic Outlook (October 2025) tasks international growth alleviating to 3.1 percent in 2026, with advanced economies around 1.5 percent and emerging market and developing economies just above 4 percent. On that comparison, a 4.44.5 percent GCC expansion would put the area materially ahead of the world average and slightly above (or broadly in line with) the emerging-market aggregate, reinforcing the GCC's status as a reasonably high-growth pocketprovided that regional threat conditions remain contained and reform momentum holds.

ANSR July GCC PRs 50DR+

Corporate Strategy for Regional Leadership

Information from the GCC Statistical Center show that non-oil sectors currently represent more than 73 percent of total GDP, a share that has continued to rise as governments expand investment in services, infrastructure, and technology. According to Oxford Economics, non-energy activity across the GCC is projected to grow by around 4.1 percent in 2026, supported by strong labor markets, enhancing credit conditions, and increasing investment in technology and AI-related infrastructure.

Public-sector financial investment and reform remain main to sustaining this trend. Policy steps intended at bring in foreign direct financial investment, easing foreign ownership guidelines, expanding capital markets, and supporting private-sector participation continue to underpin non-oil expansion and decrease the region's direct exposure to oil rate volatility. While hydrocarbons no longer dominate the development outlook, oil revenues are anticipated to play an encouraging function in 2026.